What happens when one person’s story becomes a beacon of hope for thousands? In this powerful episode, host Victoria Goldberg sits down with Tami Bowling, creator of LightUp MBC Live, to explore her path from a shocking metastatic breast cancer diagnosis to becoming a passionate advocate and fundraiser.
Tami opens up about her early days navigating uncertainty, the emotional impact on her family, and how she transformed adversity into action. Discover the inspiring origins of LightUp MBC—a campaign that now lights up hundreds of landmarks worldwide, raises millions for research, and unites communities in support and education.
You’ll hear about the campaign’s global reach, the importance of advocacy, and the many ways people can get involved—from lighting up their own towns to supporting vital research grants. Plus, Tami shares stories of resilience, the power of community, and her vision for the future of metastatic breast cancer awareness.
Tune in for an episode filled with hope, actionable inspiration, and a reminder that one person truly can make a difference.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

In this episode we get urgent and personal: with deep cuts to NIH and NCI funding threatening labs, jobs, and future treatments, what happens to science — and to patients — when the pipeline is squeezed?

To make that real, we’re talking with Na Zhao, a research assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. We follow Na’s experience as she navigates a pivotal moment in her research career. Facing institutional financial challenges and limited startup support, Na remains undeterred, leveraging multiple foundation grants and the potential activation of her NIH career grant to continue her groundbreaking work.

Through resilience and determination, Na exemplifies the spirit of scientific progress in the face of adversity, offering hope for the future of cancer research and patient care.

This episode drops on the first day of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, where thousands including Dr. Zhao gather to share breakthroughs even as funding uncertainty looms. In this episode, we dive deep into the real-world impact of research funding cuts on scientists, patients, and the future of cancer care.
Wee’ll explore the struggles junior scientists face, the importance of advocacy, and why supporting research is crucial for everyone touched by cancer.
Whether you’re a patient, advocate, or simply passionate about science, this conversation will open your eyes to the human stories behind the headlines—and remind us all why the fight for research funding matters.
Let’s get started.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Dr. Rebecca Shatsky, Director of Breast Medical Oncology at UC San Diego, as she shares her experiences fighting for patients with breast cancer. In this episode, Dr. Shatsky discusses the growing challenges clinicians face—from insurance denials and funding cuts to the emotional toll of burnout and the spread of cancer misinformation.

Hear real stories about advocating for life-saving treatments, navigating the complexities of clinical trials, and the importance of patient empowerment. Dr. Shatsky also offers hope, highlighting the latest breakthroughs in metastatic breast cancer research and the progress being made in treatment options.

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode delivers candid insights, practical advice, and a message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Tune in to “Live from Stage 4” for an honest look at the realities of modern cancer care—and the people who refuse to give up the fight.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.